2009 saw major changes to the clinic:

• DISPENSING KIOSK
  In 2009 we became the second test site for a pharmacist controlled dispensing kiosk. (The first test site is at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.) The Dispensing Kiosk is designed and manufactured by PharmaTrust - a Canadian company. The Kiosk uses video-teleconferencing technology to allow the pharmacist to remotely read the script, counsel the patient and accurately dispense the medication (with proper label and medication information sheet). For this initial trial period we will also have a PharmaTrust pharmacist onsite with the machine overseeing its operation. The Kiosk is open for patient use throughout the opening hours of the clinic - including all hours of the Walk-in Clinic (including evening, early morning and weekends). Rest assured our regular dispensary will still be in operation.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
  2009 saw the development of additional features in our computer systems. We targetted to have the imaging and EMR systems communicate between each other, have the imaging system provide for remote access to referring physicians outside the clinic, and to begin the communication bridge between our EMR and local hospitals.

• CONSTRUCTION OF OUR NEW BUILDING
  Perhaps the most monumental achievement in 2009 was the construction of our new home at 807 Broadview Avenue. It has been designed by us - for us, and it will allow us to expand the number of general practitioners and the volumes and types of speciality and diagnostic services we can offer you, our patients. We are excited about this and know it will provide us with the physical infrastructure to support us for many years into the future.

2008 Clinic Milestones:

• DIGITAL IMAGING
  In the summer of 2008, our diagnostic imaging department converted to digital imaging. Now, all of our x-rays, mammography, ultrasounds and bone densities are recorded digitally and handled through a central computer server. All of the radiologists’ interpretations are recorded in that same system. Besides being much better for the environment (no more chemical photo processing, no more film waste and tape recording waste), these changes allow for a more rapid turn-around of information, better storage, easier comparisons and the ability to integrate with electronic medical records. All of these positive changes will enhance patient care.

• ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS
  In the fall of 2008, we started the implementation of our new electronic medical records (EMR) system. After many years of evaluation, we selected JonokeMed software made by a Canadian company from Edmonton, Alberta. With many years of experience and customers around the world, the JonokeMed software was uniquely capable of handling our large, integrated operation. As of December 2008, all staff and our general practitioners were live on the system. Our specialists will begin training in 2009. This system offers us tremendous opportunities for managing the care of patients more efficiently and more effectively.

• Both the changes to imaging and to electronic patient records will be excellent for patient care, but both technologies have steep learning curves and we would ask our patients to bear with us as we learn to become better and eventually more efficient at using these systems.

• TRIAL SITE FOR VIRAGUARD
  Also in the fall of 2008 we became the only Ontario trial site for a new consumer product - Viraguard. This is a new product just approved here in Canada - although its sister products have been used in US hospitals and ambulances for years. This is a consumer packaged disinfectant (hand and surface wipes and sprays) with impressive clinical results. We have brought it into our Dispensary as part of a consumer test program; it was most timely for the flu season. The next time you're at our clinic, make sure you check it out.

• INFUSION SITE FOR ACLASTA
  2008 also saw us become an infusion site for the drug Aclasta. Aclasta is a new therapy for patients with osteoporosis. Instead of taking a regime of pills on a continuing basis, patients receive this new medication once a year by an intravenous infusion done by our nurses. Our site handles patients referred in from various parts of central and east Toronto - not just our own patients. If you’re interested in learning more about Aclasta, speak to your family doctor to find out if it is right for you.